Save Delightfully fresh and visually charming, these whimsical finger sandwiches layer cool cucumber and herbed cream cheese in a festive tree shape—perfect for parties, afternoon teas, or kid-friendly gatherings.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Category: Appetizer, Snack Difficulty: Easy Cuisine: American Yield: 12 tree sandwiches Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Bread: 12 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread
- Cream Cheese Mixture: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped 1 tsp lemon zest 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetables: 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
- Garnishes (optional): Red bell pepper, diced (for tree ornaments) Fresh dill fronds or chives (for tree trunks or branches)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, chives, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Step 2:
- Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut tree shapes out of each bread slice (save scraps for breadcrumbs).
- Step 3:
- Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture onto each bread tree.
- Step 4:
- Arrange cucumber slices in overlapping layers to mimic tree branches.
- Step 5:
- Garnish with diced red bell pepper as ornaments and use dill fronds or chive pieces as tree trunks or extra greenery.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save Pairs nicely with sparkling water or light white wine.
Required Tools
Tree-shaped cookie cutter (approx. 3–4 inches tall) Small mixing bowl Spatula or butter knife Sharp knife Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy) Check cream cheese and bread labels for additional allergens if necessary.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110 Total Fat: 6 g Carbohydrates: 11 g Protein: 3 g
Save This fresh and festive appetizer offers a light and elegant flavor perfect for gatherings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for these stacks?
Both white and whole wheat sandwich bread provide good texture; whole grain adds a nutty flavor and color contrast.
- → Can the herbed cream cheese mixture be made ahead?
Yes, the cream cheese blend can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days to enhance flavors.
- → How do I create the tree shapes?
Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter about 3 to 4 inches tall to cut the bread slices into festive forms.
- → Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
This version is vegetarian; for a vegan alternative, substitute plant-based cream cheese and confirm bread ingredients.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Diced red bell pepper simulates ornaments, while fresh dill fronds or chives serve as greenery for a festive look.